From the US Hotshot Association. Our members would also like to wish every IHC all the best for this coming fire season. Whether you find yourself in the thick of extreme fire activity or mopping up on a dead desert fire, remember to keep your focus on the task at hand and always “be where you are”. Your skills and actions carry, and grow, the name of “Hotshot crew” both for yourselves and all who have come before you.

In the words of ex Tahoe supt Rusty Witwer. “The most important thing we do is make sure everyone gets home for Christmas dinner with stories to tell and money to spend”…

20 out and 20 back;

US Hotshot Association

The newly-formed U.S. HOTSHOTS ASSOCIATION is an organization with a specific mission: to support, promote, protect, and preserve all Hotshot Crews and Hotshot Crewmembers — current, former, and future. Dedicated to preserving the rich history of the U.S. Hotshot program, committed to mentorship, and intended to support of special and dire needs, the USHA has also formed with an intent to directly influence innovation and advancement across the major quarters of Wildland Fire culture, policy, and operations: Safety, Leadership, Suppression, and Management.

Originally conceptualized by a group of former Superintendents with deep roots in making the Interagency Hotshot Crew program what it is today, the U.S. HOTSHOTS ASSOCIATION is open for membership: current and former Hotshots, Fire Managers (both former Hotshots and otherwise), Friends and Family, Media, inquisitive laypersons — in short, any group or individual interested in learning, promoting, and supporting Hotshots through the stated mission of the USHA and its elected Board Members. All are welcome!

USHA Merchandise

What is a Hotshot Crew?

Interagency Hotshot Crews are diverse, 20-person Type I handcrews (teams of wildland firefighters). Hotshots are required to meet specific physical fitness standards, training requirements, and maintain consistent operational procedures. Hotshot crews are used primarily as initial and extended attack national resources and travel throughout the country completing wildland fire suppression activities under a variety of conditions.